Villeneuve to race in FIA World Rallycross Championship

Ex-Formula One world champion Jacques Villeneuve is set to turn his talents to the FIA World Rallycross Championship after signing a deal with Albatec Racing to compete in this year's championship.

Villeneuve has competed in several series since he lost his drive at BMW midway through 2006, including NASCAR, sports car racing and even an appearance in Brazilian stock cars. In Rallycross he will be driving a 600bhp Peugeot 208 this season.

"I am really looking forward to entering the rallycross arena with Albatec Racing," Villeneuve said. "With my previous ice-racing experience, I'm excited about driving sideways in a 600bhp, four-wheel-drive Peugeot 208 over the combination of loose and tarmac surfaces, not to mention the jumps. With the added incentive of it being an FIA World Championship, the opportunity was really too good to miss.

"We had a very successful test in France. I was very impressed with the quality of the team, particularly on the engineering side - it reminded me of my time in F1. The car is just so responsive, the power is amazing and with 600bhp to play with, who wouldn't be excited? I was pleasantly surprised by how reactive the car is to any changes, and I'm very much looking forward to getting into the events."